Government; Not Just for Breakfast Anymore

Dear Friend, This is a Super Week To Be Heard Starting with a Legislative Breakfast this morning and working through to a Community Visit later this week, we are in the midst of a great opportunity to voice our desires and concerns. And better yet, to be heard!

Legislative Breakfast This morning, we had a chance to sit down with our county legislatures and share our early session concerns and observations. Discussion was thoughtful, deliberate, well researched and for the most part, I'd say, we covered all of the big concerns. Hats off to a great delegation willing to listen, take notes and absorb what is being said. It is no surprise to anyone that most of the pressing issues in Montpelier have an immediate impact on businesses and property owners in Franklin County.    Darn, I Missed Out Fear not, the delegation will be gathering again in just a few weeks in Fairfax. Saturday, February 21st beginning at 9:00 am at the Firehouse (not the town hall). We will keep you posted on the rest of the schedule just as soon as we have it in our hands. Swanton Community Visit Reminder Reminder, the big show is coming to Swanton this Wednesday from 2:00 until 8:30. A delegation of federal, state, non-profit and business executives will be in Swanton to hear more of what you have to say about improving your community. Download the agenda - right here - and pick the sessions you want to attend. Our goal is to fill these venues with citizens who what to help take Swanton to a new height. News from Montpelier Again, this week I am sending you a link to This Week in the Statehouse from VTDigger.org. Gun laws, microbeads and state budget highlight the week. Let me know if you see anything you would like the Chamber to chime in on. Strategies for Success This week I am speaking on "Turning your Smartphone into Smart Business." Your kids have been bugging you to get one for years, now learn how to use it like a boss! Join us this coming Thursday, 4:00 - 5:30pm in the St. Albans Free Library. Free for Chamber members, $10 for guests. Please pre-register HERE! Did You Know? During the early years of Prohibition, the Chambers were brought in by law enforcement to help identify and punish "shady" operators who were taking advantage of gullible buyers. Apparently, some real estate firms were using pictures of land taken in Atlantic City and selling that same land as if it were in Florida, where that address was actually under water. Most of these deals were associated with booze in some way. Imagine that!

Thank you for your continued support of the Chamber in your community.

Dave Southwick